Best Places to Celebrate Your Dirty 30 Birthday

No one likes getting older. We’d all prefer to live like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and never grow up. But unfortunately, life works a little differently here than in Neverland. So, when your 20s begin to wind down and you’re staring at the big 3-0, here are a few 30th birthday party ideas that will make growing up feel impossible. Happy birthday!

Sinnin’ Never Felt So Good

Sure, the bright neon lights of the casinos and flashing strobes of the clubs are attractive as all heck, but it’s the pool parties that really shine. Set your sights for Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan and Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell, the two hottest clubs on the Strip. You may never want to leave.

Craft Beer Might Be More Popular Here Than Hockey

What’s better than spending your dirty 30 birthday in a town with breweries on every street? Nothing—which is why you’re off to Halifax. Set off on a self-guided beer tour with stops at North Brewing Company, Good Robot Brewing Company, Nine Locks Brewing Co., and Unfiltered Brewing.

It’s Hard to Not Have Fun in the “Big Easy”

This city is full of historic parks and buildings that can all be found in a history book—not to mention a legendary party scene. Wander through the eclectic crowd down Bourbon Street and take in all the sights and sounds. And then take in some absinthe at the legendary Old Absinthe House. No, you won’t hallucinate.

“The Queen City” is Ready to Treat You Like Royalty

Slipping down the side streets of Toronto’s Distillery District is sort of a rite of passage. Not really, but it’s something you have to consider when you’re rounding the corner of 29. Step your game up when you sit down for a cocktail and appetizer at the Stirling Room. This is one of the most elegant locations in the Distillery District and will have feeling like a member of the Royal Family because of the excellent service and phenomenal food.

Spring Break is Back and Better Than Ever

Even though it’s been years since you were an undergraduate, you still deserve a March break no matter your age. Which is what brings us to South Padre Island. The place where you can bury a keg in the sand on the beach and no one will bat an eyelash.

Come for the City, Stay for the Scenery

Want a mix of big-city life and stunning outdoor beauty? Welcome to Hamilton. The town where you can ride a bike along the shore of Lake Ontario to admire Mother Nature, and bar crawl through Hess Village in the span of a few hours. Catch a local music act at the Casbah that has one of the largest craft beer selections in the city.

Mezcal, Tequila, and Tacos. What More Do You Need?

Walking tours of the Teotihuacan Pyramids are fine and dandy. However, you can’t taste a pyramid. That’s why you need to go on the Museo del Tequila and Mezcal tour. Sample your way from one end of the museum to the other and back again. And remember, if you get handed the mezcal bottle with one sip left, you must eat the worm. It’s tradition.

Everything You’d Want from Paris This Side of the Pond

The architectural eye-candy of Old Montreal is reason enough to visit: Notre-Dame Basilica and the Montreal City Hall. But none of those places rage after the sun goes down. You know what does? The nightclubs along Boulevard Saint-Laurent do. Check out the Time Supper Club, the first supper club in the city. This place does swanky right. It’s only open for private events so call ahead and book the room to have your birthday party in style.

Snow Birds, Snow Bunnies, and Snow Men, Oh My

When summer begins to close its doors in preparation for the upcoming cold season, you and your friends need to start planning a ski trip to Revelstoke. This mountain town will accompany you and your wild bunch just fine. Keep your tips up as you fly down the slopes at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Nothing Like Seeing a Capital City While Dangling from a Parachute

Now that you’re 30, it’s time to start seriously knocking things off your bucket list. Things like jumping out of an airplane from several thousand feet up with someone strapped to your back. Sign up for a skydiving stunt with Edmonton Skydive and say a Hail Mary. Afterward, grab a beer at the Alley Kat Brewery to calm your nerves. Try a pint of their delicious Dragon Double IPA.

Mother Nature Wants to Wish You a Happy Dirty 30 Birthday

If it’s nature you want for your birthday, nature is what you’re going to get. The scenery surrounding Canmore looks like a Cezanne landscape piece. Lace up your hiking boots and spend the day hiking around the gorgeous Grassi Lakes. Be ready to take numerous selfies.

Yup, Still Canada

Bonne fete, bienvenue a Quebec City! You’ll hear this in between the clip-clop of horse hooves as you take an amazing horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. Or in between dishes on a tasty food tour. And if you’re going for a real far-out experience, book a stay at the Hotel de Glace, the all ice hotel.

You’ve Got Enough Human Beings for Friends

You’ll make plenty of new friends during a 30th birthday trip to Churchill, but we’re not talking about human friends. We’re talking about marine mammals and polar bears courtesy of Frontiers North Adventures. Seriously, what could be better than snorkelling with beluga whales and roaming the tundra with polar bears.

Keep Those Tips Up

Ski-bumming with your closest friends for your 30th birthday sounds like it’s too good to be true, but trust us it’s not. Especially when you venture to Sun Peaks Resort just outside of the town of Kamloops. When you come off the mountain, head back to town and explore the budding brewery scene. Noble Pig Brewhouse and Red Collar Brewing Co. are two to check out.

Cabs and Pinots. Merlots and Sauvignons

The big 3-0 means it’s time to grow up and set your standards higher. That’s why sipping wine from some of the country’s finest wineries is perfect for your three-decade old self. Ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and then eat dinner at Oenotri before heading back to your swanky digs at Las Alcobas.

Celebrate your dirty 30 the right way: With close friends in one of these fantastic destinations. We have an inkling you’ll feel young again.

About Author

Chris is a San Diego based writer and editor who loves nothing more than sharing his travel experiences, tips, and insights with anyone who’ll listen. When it comes time to escape everyday life, you can find him in a lounge chair on his local beach or exploring the desolate coastline of Baja. “There’s no adventure too far.”